Whitehall readies ID card action plan

The newly-formed Identity and Passport Service (IPS) will publish an action plan for the national biometric ID card scheme next month, and procurement will start next summer.

IPS chief executive James Hall announced the new details – the first since the start of the Home Office review in the early summer – at an industry briefing last week.

Hall emphasised his agency’s commitment to simplicity, transparency, pragmatism and partnership with the industry.

Government thinking on the structure of the ID scheme has changed since the enabling legislation was passed in March. The traditional, monolithic IT programme model has been superseded by plans to re-use existing government systems where possible, and to share components with other departments and agencies.

December’s action plan will provide an up-to-date statement of direction, but the scheme’s details are unlikely to be fully clarified before next summer.

Senior industry figures say the fragmented approach needs careful management.

‘If the government buys in pieces there has to be a mechanism allowing management across the piece,’ said a source.

‘The industry is concerned the Home Office will not be able to do that, especially as some procurements may be made by other organisations.

‘The government will have to look at its own skills base to address these concerns.’

Nick Kalisperas, government director for supplier body Intellect, said: ‘The current engagement between the Home Office and the industry will help develop a successful procurement, and maintain the enthusiasm of the industry to bid.’

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